BOSTON (AP) — Federal authorities say Massachusetts farmers are now eligible to apply for low-interest emergency loans to make up for some of the losses caused by cold weather earlier this year.The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated most of the state's mainland as a primary natural disast…

With the 34th annual Apple and Peach festival being held this weekend in Acushnet, Massachusetts officials say some apple growers are reporting a strong crop and some above-average sized fruit as the picking season begins following a tough 2012.